A stream runs through it.

Ah, the water and the sunshine and the barefeet. It’s good stuff.

Finally, winter is going away (kicking and fighting, but still going away) and as such we can once again return to the great outdoors for all of our daytrip needs. Whether you’re a fan of hiking, boating, rafting, biking, or pretty much anything this side of snow activities, it’s a great time to dust off the old waistline and get back in the saddle (or whatever you sit on for your preferred activity).

Don’t forget, as we get closer to summer the State and National Parks (and other assorted campgrounds) will be filling up fast. Many of them take reservations for campsites and RV spaces (and have already started to do so). You may want to start planning your getaways now (or wait and complain about it being full like I usually do).

Goodbye, Winter. Don’t let the door hit you.

For more family-friendly travel photos visit DeliciousBaby’s Photo Fridays.
Photo by Muffet via Flickr.

Summer is coming, people and with it — the summer vacation.  Many of us have already envisioned destinations to warmer climes or exotic locales.  We can hear the waves crashing on our sandy feet, the warmth of the sun on our faces or gulls gently rousing us from peaceful afternoon slumber.  The diligent traveler has already made reservations and paid their deposits, ensuring their visions become reality.

Road Tripping

What many travelers often overlook, however, is the journey.  We envision the destination and quite often neglect a make or break aspect of any vacation — the road trip.  A horrendous road trip can ruin even the most well thought out vacation leaving you tired and frustrated before you ever arrive.  Conversely, a well planned and organized travel agenda can make getting there almost as much fun as being there.

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Have you been searching the internet for travel tips and information? Do you spend your coffee break browsing the trending topics in Twitter for the latest in travel-related news?  Me too.  Here are some recent links that caught my eye:

Want to stay in a bad hotel — or at least laugh at its website? Who doesn’t?

WorldHum’s Olympic take: From Beijing to Vancouver.

Redbook offers some good Walt Disney World advice.

Top Family Travel Sites according to National Geographic Traveler — they forgot one!

Traveling with a pooch? Phetch this stuff.

Great thoughts on travel writing from Nerd’s Eye View.

PBS tackles regional airlines – thoughts by Upgrade: Travel Better.

Travel passes by Virgin Media

Want to use credit card airline miles for that business trip?

Frugal Travel books flights the frugal way.

CNN Travel answers 10 frequent questions.

Can you help NYC kids get some fresh air?

And there you have it.  You’re welcome.

If you would like to see your site featured please contact me via the link in the sidebar.  See you on the Twitter!

The Mississippi River Bridge Looking Into Louisiana from Vicksburg, MS

Today’s travel tip is brought to you by that oft overlooked arm of the travel industry, The Office of Tourism.  What office, you may be asking?  Pick your state I answer, for every state has one.  The purpose of the tourism office in a particular state is to encourage vacationing, visiting by both residents and non-residents.   They help to promote the economy by promoting the tourism industry within their respective states.  Some offices even manage the state’s park systems.

They have information.  Lots and lots of information.  And that’s what we really need when planning a trip.   Where to go, what to do, what to eat, schedules of events and festivals.

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